Leader of the Circassian youth assassinated in Karachay-Cherkessia

March 15, 2010

Created: March 15, 2010

One of the leaders of the Circassian youth republic Aslan Zhukov was killed in Karachay-Cherkessia today.

A man who asked to remain anonymous called and reported the incident to the "Caucasian Knot". The details were further confirmed by the Chairmann of the Youth Movement of Circassians, Adyghe-Khase. This was further corroborated by fellow activist Timur Juju who detailed that Zhukov was shot around 21:00 (9pm), with three bullets to the head whilst he was close to home.

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry, Karachay-Cherkessia Fatima Kardanova also confirmed the information about the murder. "Until the circumstances have been investigated I have no detailed information. I think more detailed information will be provided tomorrow morning- she said in a telephone interview.

One of the outraged friends of Aslan called the incident an "open and brazen murder. "Aslan was killed near the house, openly and defiantly. I'm shocked by what happened" - he said.

36-year-old Aslan Zhukov was a famous athlete in the country, engaged in fights without the rules, and was the head of the family business. He was married and had three children.

CW’s aim is to raise awareness of Circassian culture, history and contemporary politics in global academia, journalism and policy making circles to pave the way for "Circassian Studies" to be recognized as a constituent part of Caucasian Studies.